A fine eighteenth-century engraving by Heinrich Guttenberg depicting the biblical narrative of Tobias and the Archangel Raphael.

This engraving by Heinrich Guttenberg depicts a scene from the Book of Tobit, a narrative found in the deuterocanonical texts. The composition shows the young Tobias struggling with a large fish in the Tigris, while the Archangel Raphael stands beside him, offering guidance. The work reflects the technical precision characteristic of late eighteenth-century printmaking, employing fine cross-hatching to define the musculature of the figures and the texture of the surrounding foliage.

Guttenberg, a German engraver active during the Neoclassical period, demonstrates a clear focus on anatomical accuracy and balanced composition. The light source is directed to illuminate the figures, creating a contrast against the darker, atmospheric background of trees and clouds. The print captures the moment of divine intervention, a subject frequently explored by European artists of the era. The inscription at the base, 'Tobie et Azarias', refers to the pseudonym Raphael adopts during his journey with Tobias. The print exhibits the refined line work typical of the period, where the engraver sought to replicate the tonal qualities of a painting through the systematic application of lines and dots.

This piece is representative of the reproductive print culture of the time, where engravers translated paintings into monochrome formats for wider distribution. The attention to detail in the drapery of the angel's robes and the ripples in the water demonstrates the skill required for this medium. The composition remains grounded in the conventions of the time, prioritising clarity of form and narrative legibility. It serves as an example of the high standard of craftsmanship maintained by professional engravers in the late eighteenth century, who were essential in disseminating visual culture across Europe.